Effect of Climate Change and Weather Variability Perception on Yam Production in Ondo State

Abstract

Purpose: The study was carried out to investigate the effect of climate change and weather-variability perception on yam production in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area; identify the perceptions of yam farmers on climate change in the study area; identify the adaptation strategies adopted by farmers in the study; determine the cost and return of farmers; determine the effect of climate change variables perception on yam output.
 Methodology: Multi –stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of respondents in the study area. A total of 120 respondents were selected for this study. Descriptive statistics, Gross Margin analysis, Likert Rating Scale, Multiple Regression Analysis were used to analyze data collected from the field. The study revealed that 38.0% of the yam farmers fell within the ages of 36 and 45 years. This implies that yam farmers in the study area are relatively young and energetic which enhance sustainable production.
 Findings: Gross Margin analysis revealed that yam production is profitable as it leaves a profit margin of N31995 for each farmer in the study area. Likert Rating Scale showed that majority of the respondents had a high perception on climate change but there is need for more sensitization of yam farmers on climate change. Multiple Regression Analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between climate change variables perception and yam output which rejects the hypothesis of this study.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended among others that there is need for government to sensitize farmers on climate change and provide them with reasonable adaptation options to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on Agricultural production.